There is tremendous potential offered by the 5G network, including decreased latency and increased speeds. Because of these benefits, the adoption of sophisticated technology ought to increase. But 5G isn’t flawless; it has its share of security concerns, and continued network rollouts widen the possible attack surface. This is one of the drawbacks of 5G. The following are six security flaws in 5G networks that have garnered notice and are likely to continue to be an issue.
Individuals can use IMSI Catchers on the 5G Network
5G networks provide defenses against anyone who tries to steal your International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). However, hackers are able to breach those defenses. Intercepting phone conversations and text messages can be done with the help of an IMSI catcher by law enforcement officials.
In 2021, Germany revised the regulations that were related to the subject. According to Comms Risk, the revisions require communication providers to collaborate with law enforcement agencies when the latter utilize IMSI catchers for the purpose of conducting surveillance. This change is nevertheless worrying despite the fact that Germany is continuing to roll out 5G networks.
In addition, the fact that IMSI catchers can still operate on the 5G network poses a threat to individuals’ right to privacy. Thankfully, security researchers have released evidence indicating that the 5G network provides some protection from IMSI catchers. However, as Light Reading points out, the level of protection offered by the 5G network is entirely dependent on how effectively it is implemented.
The researchers elucidated the ways in which the security aspects of standalone and non-standalone 5G networks are distinct from one another. Those that fall into the first category are equipped with both 4G and LTE base stations as well as 5G radio antennae. According to the findings of their research, non-standalone 5G networks continue to be susceptible to passive surveillance. The security protections that prevent it are only available on 5G networks that operate independently of one another.
The Security Features of 5G depends on the Operator
Many additional layers of security, some of which are optional, have been built into the 5G network. It is up to the discretion of each individual communications network provider on how the service is utilized. According to the data presented in the previous part of this article, independent 5G networks do not give privacy protections against surveillance.
A strategy known as Control Risk Correctness (CRC), recommended by the authors of a research article published in 2022, is suggested as a method for more efficient threat mitigation. It provides assistance to mobile network operators in the process of identifying sources of increased risk and then directing preventative measures toward such locations.
The researchers have high hopes that their study will be able to assist telecommunication businesses in the development of best practices that would reduce risks. Should this occur, we should see a general decrease in the number of attacks.
Threats that affect 5G Infrastructure
Even as more individuals become aware of the benefits of 5G, others continue to have worries. This unease was only compounded by the spread of misleading information regarding a connection between COVID-19 and 5G networks.
A few individuals took extreme actions in an attempt to impede the rollout of 5G. According to an article published by The Guardian, criminals in New South Wales, Australia, set fire on purpose to a 5G tower, which stopped residents of the region from using their cell phones. This serves as a powerful reminder that the dangers posed by 5G security extend beyond the world of online activity.
Attackers love to create panic and destroy havoc. Interfering with communications towers is an effective technique to do. Such interference creates a physical security risk by jeopardizing key infrastructure and even risking lives.
For instance, Ertico Network says that a 5G ambulance trial demonstrated how improved pre-hospital triage may be achieved using real-time patient data. However, if vandals compromise an area’s 5G technology, medical facilities won’t be able to make use of those benefits. In a similar vein, meddling with the 5G infrastructure might have a severe influence on disaster recovery operations after natural disasters such as storms and earthquakes.
The possibility of unauthorized access to the data
Cybersecurity professionals, sometimes known as ethical hackers, are frequently the first to discover and alert others to flaws that could give hackers access to 5G-connected devices or networks. They are also often the first to learn about and alert others to vulnerabilities. Many people actively search for vulnerabilities that could be exploited by criminals and then report their findings to the appropriate parties. That way, fixes happen before tragedies do.
In a scenario that took place in 2022, researchers investigated and revealed proof of 5G security concerns related to the Internet of Things (IoT) APIs. These APIs could give adversaries access to an IoT device or the data that it stores. Potential flaws were inadequate access controls and poor authentication techniques, highlighting some areas of development. The detected vulnerabilities affected seven of the nine IoT systems analyzed.
The investigation revealed that cybercriminals had access to substantial amounts of user data or may directly penetrate some devices. In addition, the information that has been compromised may contain invoicing information as well as specifics regarding the identity of SIM card purchasers. There are several ways in which individuals’ sense of privacy is compromised by the internet. The proliferation of 5G networks will only make that unpleasant reality worse.
Communication Service Providers have a hard time managing Threats
The fact that 5G network operators face an unexpectedly high number of attacks is another matter of concern. According to the findings of a study conducted by Nokia and GlobalData in November 2022 of communication service providers, these businesses experienced anything from one to six breaches of 5G networks within the most recent half year. This is cause for alarm, particularly in light of a report from Box indicating that severe assaults such as ransomware are on the rise as part of a bigger cybersecurity threat.
Those who participated in the survey conducted by Nokia and GlobalData also stated that employees of their security teams spend an inordinate amount of time on manual duties, which indicates substantial potential for automation. In addition, they did not have much faith in the security tools that are now available.
The good news is that the 5G network might make security tighter, particularly if users utilize it in conjunction with technology like artificial intelligence (AI).
One team from Incheon National University developed a program that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G to classify malicious software. Aside from that, Microsoft is one of several well-known corporations that is investing in AI in order to increase the functionality of cybersecurity technologies.
The slicing of networks creates new vulnerabilities in the system
As more individuals learn how to make use of the 5G network, several potential drawbacks of the network in terms of security are also becoming apparent. However, being aware of the problems is the first step in finding solutions to those issues.
The utilization of 5G networks is made more flexible thanks to network slicing. On a single physical network, it generates dedicated segments that extend from end to end. People employ those slices for certain applications in accordance with the requirements imposed by those use cases.
On the other hand, it may also present potential security risks. Attackers could take advantage of a vulnerability in one network slice, then migrate laterally to another slice in order to broaden the scope of their operations.
Hackers could look for security flaws in low-level devices that are rarely updated, such as consumer gaming systems, to find weaknesses in 5G networks. After that, cybercriminals would be able to carry out horizontal assaults by searching for vulnerabilities in other network slices.
Avoid any 5G Security Threats
Some of the drawbacks of 5G were discovered in laboratories by cybersecurity researchers who were looking for vulnerabilities. During exploits in the real world, cybercriminals will likely behave in a different manner. They will start staging more assaults and start targeting 5G-enabled products and networks as soon as those items and networks become more widely available. Observing the outcomes of those occurrences will help create the best procedures for ensuring the safety of 5G networks.
On the other hand, ethical hackers and other specialists in related fields are always working to discover risks and patch holes. Because of this improvement-oriented approach, there are fewer issues, and as a result, you may utilize 5G without a significant amount of anxiety.
Would you like to read more about 5G Security Risks-related articles? If so, we invite you to take a look at our other tech topics before you leave!
